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When sport takes on the weather

July 25, 2013

It is safe to say we do not handle heatwaves well here in the UK. So much so, the weekly five-a-side knockabout between ESPN staffers turned into an embarrassing display of weary shots and pathetic tackles as we wilted in the blazing sun.

Naturally, the very next day we spent some time looking up videos of sports stars being affected by the weather. And, because we are nice, we have decided to share them with you. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Got a weather-related sport video? Share it with us on Twitter.

Golf v Hail

You would not normally expect a golf tournament played in the middle of the desert to be disrupted by snow and hail. But that is exactly what happened at the World Challenge at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, back in 2000. Still, it did not stop Phil Mickelson showing off his deft touch around the greens. (Or… err… "whites".)

Formula 1 v Rain

This Formula 1 clip from the Nurburgring in 2007 is a lot of fun. To watch, we mean. We cannot imagine it was as enjoyable for the drivers…

Football v Wind

Simply astonishing footage as high winds disrupt a football match in South Africa that needs to be seen to be believed.

Football v Lightning

Also in South Africa, a terrifying lightning bolt strikes during a match between Moroka Swallows and Jomo Cosmos, flattening several players from each side.

Cricket v Hail

We are used to cricket matches in this country being delayed by the weather, but we have never quite had to deal with hail stone the size of ping pong balls raining down on us. Watch out for the player handing out helmets to the groundsmen desperately trying to get the covers on.

Formula 1 v Rain (again)

The Belgian Grand Prix in 1998 was turned into what can only be described as a farce thanks to heavy rain.

Football v Snow

We are pretty sure they do not get a lot of snow in Costa Rica. So imagine their dismay when the white stuff started pouring from the sky right before a World Cup qualifier with the US in Colorado…

Football v Fog

This video just gets funnier as it goes on. A different slant on the popular Spot the Ball game…

Football v Rain

This video went viral last year but is still well worth another look. If you are anything like us, you will watch it and say you have definitely played in worse conditions on a Sunday morning…

American Football v Snow

What happens when your stadium has an inflatable roof and then it snows and snows and snows and then snows some more? This, of course.

Want to read the full story on this? Head over to ESPN.com for more.

Alex Perry is an assistant editor at ESPN. He can be found tweeting here

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